Rocker Keeps Mouth Shut

N E WY O R K — Protesters got their say, and so did Commissioner
Bud Selig. John Rocker was largely silent on the first day of his attempt to
overturn his suspension.

With several dozen protesters — and a large inflatable
rat — outside baseball’s offices, Selig was the leadoff witness Wednesday
in the grievance hearing before arbitrator Shyam Das.

‘Strong Feelings on the Matter’ “He has
strong feelings on the matter and so do I,” Selig said after a brief
private meeting with the Atlanta Braves reliever.

Rocker, who was banned by Selig until May 1 for his comments
about gays, foreigners and others, didn’t have much to say as he walked
into the Park Avenue skyscraper with union lawyers, saying: “Just be patient.”

Selig testified on the rationale of his decision and was
questioned by union lawyer Gene Orza on what precedents he considered,
according to several participants in the hearing who spoke on the condition
they not be identified.

Selig, one source said, testified he made his decision
because he thought it was the correct penalty and did not consider past
suspensions. Selig didn’t publicly discuss what he said.

“I just completed somewhere between five and six hours
of testimony,” Selig said as he left the building in the early evening.
“I issued my suspension. It is what it is. Now it’s in the hands of
the arbitrator.”

Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman, who has been critical
of Rocker, and Braves President Stan Kasten were the other witnesses to
testify.

Kevin Hallinan, baseball’s executive director of
security, was scheduled to be management’s final witness today. The union
was to follow with its witnesses and was likely to call Rocker, who entered the
building today through a side entrance.

Das is expected to issue a decision this month.

Boazman, who testified on the effect of Rocker’s
remarks in the community, brought along a group from Atlanta to protest. They
were kept behind wooden police barricades as the hearing took place 31 floors above.

Boazman: Disappointed in Appeal “It was basically to
convey to the masses we were disappointed in the appeal,” Boazman said. “We
started this whole thing saying Rocker should be released. We still believe that.”

Kasten, the source said, testified about the effects of Rocker’s
remarks on the Braves.

The rat, holding a sign “New York Immigrants Against Rocker!”
was provided by Local 78 of the Asbestos, Lead and Hazardous Waste Laborers
union, which had it nearby for another protest. The rat, which cost $8,000, has
appeared in front of several businesses in New York in the past year.

Rocker, razzed by Mets and Yankees fans during the pennant
race and postseason last year, told Sports Illustrated in December he would
never play for a New York team because he didn’t want to ride a subway train
“next to some queer with AIDS.” He also mocked foreigners and
called a Latino teammate a “fat monkey.”

Selig responded Jan. 31 by suspending him for all 45 days of
spring training and the first 28 days of the season, fining him $20,000 and
ordering sensitivity training. The players association, successful at overturning
or shortening many suspensions, then filed a grievance.

Under baseball’s rules, the commissioner’s
office puts on its defense first, then the union calls its witness. Howard Ganz,
representing owners in their litigation with umpires, was the lead lawyer for
management.

Meanwhile, trade rumors have surfaced involving Rocker, but
no deal appeared imminent.

“The Chicago White Sox are not interested in obtaining
pitcher John Rocker,” White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. “We
have spent a great deal of time over the last two seasons developing a roster
of young players who care about the Chicago community and care about our fans.
We believe that character counts in building a championship baseball team our fans
can support.”

The union says the suspension was without “just
cause,” arguing speech shouldn’t be punished, even if it’s
offensive. Selig wasn’t concerned his ruling could be overturned.

“I don’t look at it in this context because they
do have the right to appeal,” he said. “Other commissioners have
had to go through this process and have been appealed. I did what I thought I
had to, what was right.”